Our California Christmas

Our Christmas tree at home

All year my employer told us the only days the shop would be closed were Christmas day and Thanksgiving day, but a few weeks before Christmas they changed their minds and decided to shut down the shop between Christmas and New Years. This meant we would actually be able to visit my family in Folsom for Christmas! We made the trip on Friday the 23rd and came back on Wednesday the 28th. We mostly just hung out, played games together and made general merriment. It was very enjoyable. 


On Christmas Eve, we did a white elephant gift exchange, sang some Christmas songs and then read some of the Christmas scriptures.  We didn't have many people there for our white elephant gift exchange so it went really fast. There were some pretty funny gifts though, like this pretty purple candle holder.

Austin obviously doesn't understand Christmas yet, but as usual, was all smiles.  He especially loved crinkling the wrapping paper or just banging his hand against the wrapped boxes.

We opened presents after church and for some reason got into a packing peanuts war. I think my parents will remember not to keep those in any packaging in the future!

the knit hat Rebecca made for Austin

Grandpa Wilcken

My mother's father passed away suddenly on November 28th while supposedly recovering from a heart attack.  We were able to attend his funeral on December 3 in southern Utah.  My parents and most of my siblings were also able to attend which was really nice.  Grandpa Dee Wilcken has been alone since his wife passed away a couple years ago and we're all sure they are ecstatic to be reunited. 

Flag Ceremony (sorry about the wind noise)

 

One thing everyone remembers about Grandpa is his craftsmanship.  He had several different shop areas in his basement; a woodworking shop where he especially liked turning wood, a photography darkroom where he also faceted stones and jewels, as well as a metal shop with a metal lathe.  

the faceting equipment

the metal shop

Another common memory of Grandpa and Grandma was their generous and selfless service throughout their lives.  They served 5 missions together and even the weekend before his heart attack he was at a service project chopping wood for a neighbor.  His posterity will always be blessed for his example and guidance.